Nature, culture, spice, and everything nice! Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the soul of Chengdu, the chillest city in China.
Looking for the best things to do in Chengdu?
If Beijing is China’s brain and Shanghai its face, then Chengdu is surely its soul. Located in the Sichuan Province, this laid-back city isn’t just famous for its cuddly giant pandas and mouth-numbing hotpot.
Once known as the capital of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era, Chengdu has always been a cultural heavyweight. Think steaming bowls of mapo tofu, bamboo forests straight out of a martial arts film, neighbourhoods that blend ancient alleys with modern galleries, and (lots of) food.
Here’s a mix of nature escapes, culinary gems, and cultural hangouts to start your journey. Read on for the full list! 👇
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At a glance: Top things to do in Chengdu (2025)
Chengdu — where time slows down, where tea houses quite possibly outnumber bars, and where your biggest challenge might just be choosing between a mountain hike or a street snack.
Nature 🍃⛰️
- Bipenggou Valley
- Jiuding Mountain
- West Sichuan Bamboo Sea
- Xingwen Stone Sea Global Geopark
- Luhu Lake Eco-City
Food 🥟🍲
- Shan Mian Bao (山面包)
- Yuan Li Hotpot (园里火锅)
- Oldspeak Factory
- Wuyou (無有) Teahouse
- Xiang Fei Po Fan Pu (香肥婆饭铺)
- Guan Jin (Wuhou) – 观锦 (武侯)
Culture 🏮🐼
- Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre
- Dong Jiao Jiyi
- Chengdu Museum
- Kuanzhai Alley
- Jinli Ancient Street
- People’s Park
- Jiuyan Bridge
- Dujiangyan Zhongshuguan – 钟书阁(融创茂店)
- Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum
20 Things To Do In Chengdu:
1. Bipenggou Valley
Image Credits: Sichuan Travel Guide
Craving alpine air and postcard-perfect views? Just a three-hour drive from Chengdu lies Bipenggou Valley — a national park where snow-capped peaks, reflective lakes, and wooden boardwalks set the scene for a nature escape.
It’s especially stunning in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red, but beautiful all year round! The trails are well-maintained, and there’s even a cable car if you’d prefer the scenic route up.
A popular day trip for locals and travellers alike, this is where you go when you need a full reset.
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2. Jiuding Mountain
Image Credits: Sichuan Travel Guide
For those who like their hikes with a bit more grit, Jiuding Mountain in northern Sichuan promises an untamed adventure. Expect winding trails, dense forests, and the kind of elevation that makes every summit shot feel well-earned. I
t’s not the most beginner-friendly… but if you’re up for the climb, the 360° views and wildflower-filled meadows will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream.
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3. West Sichuan Bamboo Sea
Image Credits: Cxzhxg
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a martial arts movie scene, this is your moment. With bamboo archways, misty trails and hanfu rentals, the West Sichuan Bamboo Sea was designed with cinematic flair.
Located just 1.5 hours from Chengdu, this forest offers an immersive and photogenic experience — especially if you’re ready to lean into your C-drama fantasy!
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4. Xingwen Stone Sea Global Geopark
Image Credits: Global Geoparks Network
A UNESCO Global Geopark with a name that sounds like it belongs on another planet. Located 6 hours from Chengdu, this surreal karst landscape is made up of towering limestone cliffs, caves, sinkholes, and natural bridges. It’s nature’s very own playground for adventurers and nature nerds alike.
Educational exhibits dot the area, but what you’ll remember most are the dramatic formations and photo ops that are truly out of this world.
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5. Luhu Lake Eco-City
Image Credits: Dianping
We know, this doesn’t quite count as the great outdoors. However, it is proof that good design and urban planning can feel like nature, too!
Luhu Lake Eco-City is a residential development that’s redefining what suburban living can look like. With landscaped gardens, walking trails, art installations and curated cafés, it’s a peaceful, walkable pocket of Chengdu.
Visit during one of their seasonal festivals or farmers’ markets to see the community in full swing. Bonus points for lake views and breezy brunch spots.
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6. Shanbake (山面包)
Image Credits: Dianping
Freshly baked buns, fluffy on the inside and golden crisp on the outside — welcome to your new carb obsession. While most people flock to the popular Butterful and Creamorous, Shanbake is a great alternative if you prefer a fuss-free and affordable selection.
This spot is popular for its signature rice bread and variety of bagels filled with delicious flavours. There’s usually a queue, but trust us when we say it’s worth it! Great for breakfast, takeaway picnics or snacks between stops.
Pro-tip: Go early — the best flavours sell out fast!
Address: No. 12, 33 Wangping Street, Chenghua District, Chengdu (Check Dianping for directions)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 10:30 PM, daily
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7. Yuan Li Hotpot (园里火锅)
Image Credits: @tiing.travel on Instagram
You’ll find hotpot joints on every corner in Chengdu, but few have the architectural cred of Yuan Li. This award-winning restaurant looks like it belongs in a design museum — all sharp lines, glass walls and warm lighting to set the mood.
Image Credits: @tiing.travel on Instagram
The food? Equally impressive. Choose from their signature spicy broths and a spread of fresh meats, offal, vegetables and handmade noodles. It’s a whole experience from start to finish.
Address: No. 321, South Section 3 Tianfu Avenue, Huaxi Sub-district, Shuangliu District, Chengdu (Check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 12 AM, daily
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8. Oldspeak Factory
Image Credits: chengdu-expat.com
Housed in a converted warehouse, Oldspeak Factory is part bar, part café, part cultural hub. With its brick walls, moody lighting and rotating art exhibits, the vibe feels like Brooklyn-meets-Chengdu.
Come for the cocktails and stay for the music — jazz nights and DJ sets are regular fixtures. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Address: No. 38-1-2, outside Dongjiao Memory Park, No.4 Jianshe South Branch Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu. (Check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: 10:30 PM – 2 AM, daily
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9. Wuyou (無有) Teahouse
Image Credits: Dianping
If Chengdu had a soundtrack, it would be the gentle clink of porcelain in a teahouse. While kung fu tea performances are a signature in the city, places like Wuyou Teahouse offer a quieter vibe.
Tucked into an alleyway with wooden beams, paper lanterns and plenty of lounging cats, this space invites you to sit, sip and let time pass.
Bonus: it’s a great hideout on rainy days.
Address: Near Yulin East Road (check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 7:30 PM, daily
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10. Xiang Fei Po Fan Pu (香肥婆饭铺)
Image Credits: Dianping
When in Chengdu, go bold or go home. This popular chain specialises in hearty Sichuan staples like kou shui ji (mouthwatering chicken), pig trotters, and fiery soups that will make your eyes water in the best way.
It’s casual, quick, and flavour-packed — everything you want in a local meal.
Tip: Don’t wear white.
Address: No. 166, East Dajie, Jinjiang District [Taikoo Li Outlet] (check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11:30 PM, daily
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11. Guan Jin (Wuhou) – 观锦 (武侯)
Image Credits: MICHELIN Guide
While Chengdu has no shortage of satisfying cheap eats and street food, sometimes you want a meal that feels a little more refined, without breaking the bank. Enter Guan Jin, a Michelin Bib Gourmand tucked in Wuhou District. This spot serves up elevated Sichuan cuisine that’s elegant but still true to its roots: think tender duck breast with pickled vegetables, delicate double-boiled soups, and expertly balanced spice that lingers just long enough.
The space itself feels warm and quietly upscale, with attentive service and beautifully plated dishes that celebrate Sichuan’s bold yet nuanced culinary identity.
Address: No. 4 Daylang Square, 3rd Floor D102, Daliang Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu (check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM, Sat & Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM
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12. Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre
Image Credits: China Daily
Let’s be honest — you can’t visit Chengdu without meeting its most iconic residents. The Panda Base is one of the best places in the world to see these adorable creatures up close. It’s not a zoo, but a conservation facility dedicated to breeding, studying and protecting giant pandas. Try to go in the morning when the pandas are most active (aka doing kung fu rolls and snacking on bamboo). There’s also a red panda enclosure, shaded walking trails, and an educational centre that gives you insight into the work behind the scenes.
Address: 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5 PM, daily
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13. Dong Jiao Jiyi
Image Credits: @我就是小熊猫 on Lemon8
If Shanghai has M50 and Beijing has 798, Chengdu’s answer is Dong Jiao Jiyi — a vibrant cultural park converted from an old electronics factory. Now home to indie theatres, exhibition halls, creative studios and coffee shops, this is where the city’s contemporary artists and musicians hang out.
Don’t miss ARTE Museum for immersive, large-scale art experiences that are reminiscent of the iconic teamLab exhibits, but with a unique digital twist.
Address: Dongjiaojiyi Art District, East Third Ring Road, Chengdu
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM (may vary according to shop)
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14. Chengdu Museum
Image Credits: Chengdu Expat
Curious about Chengdu’s looong history? This modern museum in Tianfu Square is your starting point. The exhibitions cover everything from ancient Shu artefacts to the city’s role as a Silk Road hub. The layout is sleek, the English signage is helpful, and the puppet theatre exhibit adds a charming interactive touch. Plus, it’s free to enter!
Address: 1 Xiaohe Street, Qingyang District
Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Fri & Sat, 9 AM – 8:30 PM. Closed on Mondays
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15. Kuanzhai Alley
Image Credits: 2025 Sichuan Travel Guide
A stroll down this network of “wide” (kuan) and “narrow” (zhai) alleys is like walking through a living museum. Restored Qing Dynasty buildings house everything from teahouses to boutique hotels and craft stores.
Expect to be distracted every few steps — whether it’s the scent of sweet rice cakes or a shadow puppetry performance in progress. It’s touristy, yes, but also authentic in its own way!
Address: Kuanzhai Alley, Qingyang District
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM, daily
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16. Jinli Ancient Street
Image Credits: Easy Tour China
Located right next to Wuhou Temple, Jinli Ancient Street is a slice of Old Chengdu. Cobblestone paths, red lanterns, street snacks, and Sichuan opera face-changing performances make this area feel like a historical drama set come to life.
Wuhou Temple itself is worth a visit too — dedicated to Zhuge Liang, and offers visitors a profound journey through China’s Three Kingdoms period.
Address: Jinli Street, Wuhou District
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10:30 PM, daily
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17. People’s Park
Image Credits: Visit Our China
Want to really see how locals live? Head to People’s Park, especially in the morning. Here, you’ll find elderly folks practising tai chi, couples ballroom dancing, and the occasional karaoke battle.
Be sure to visit Heming Teahouse inside the park — it’s been operating for over 100 years and is the perfect spot to set up camp as you watch the world go by, teacup in hand.
Address: Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM, daily
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18. Jiuyan Bridge
Image Credits: chinatripedia
As night falls, Chengdu shows its effortlessly cool side — and Jiuyan Bridge is the best place to see it. With neon-lit reflections bouncing off the Jin River, this area is packed with stylish speakeasies and cocktail lounges.
If you’re planning to do an unofficial bar crawl, don’t forget to add classic joints like TruthSerum Bar, La Beato, and SEMMERING to your list.
Address: Jiuyanqiao Road, Jinjiang District
Opening Hours: Varies by bar (most open from 5 PM till late)
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19. Dujiangyan Zhongshuguan – 钟书阁(融创茂店)
Image Credits: ArchDaily
Bookworms, rejoice — this is your paper-paged paradise! Tucked within the scenic Dujiangyan area, Zhongshuguan feels less like a bookstore and more like something ripped out of a fantasy novel.
Think towering shelves that stretch toward the ceiling, dim lighting for moody browsing, and whimsical panda illustrations peeking out among the stacks — a quiet nod to Sichuan’s most famous resident.
It’s a sanctuary for readers, creatives, and introverts alike, with cosy seating tucked between shelves and a charming café nearby where you can sip a latte while diving into your latest read.
Whether you’re flipping through Chinese classics, contemporary fiction or stunning art books, this is the perfect place to get lost — and maybe even find a new favourite story.
Address: No. 1 Zhizhen Road, Level 2, Rongchuang Mao (Check Dianping for directions)
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM, daily
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20. Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Image Credits: Klook
If you’ve ever wondered why Sichuan cuisine hits differently, this museum in the Pidu District has your answer — and then some. Set in a neoclassical garden, the Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum offers more than just a look at the province’s legendary flavours.
You’ll wander through a replica Qing Dynasty restaurant alley and exhibition halls filled with tools, artefacts and spicy history lessons that track the development of Sichuan food culture.
The best part? For just 60 CNY (~S$11), your visit includes complimentary tastings of traditional street snacks served in the garden — because reading about food is never quite enough.
Address: No. 10, Luoxing East Road, Gucheng Town, Pidu District, Chengdu
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, daily
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Much Ado About Chengdu!
Whether you’re catching a panda doing somersaults, sipping tea among alley cats or getting lost in a sea of bamboo, Chengdu reveals itself slowly — but rewards you every step of the way. It’s a city where the past is preserved, the present is chill AF, and the future is brimming with potential.
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